Even as contemporary issues demand our focus and attention, Grenada, and The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), remain conscious of the history, and impact of slavery. From our standpoint, we understand all too well the challenges faced in turning global political commitments into meaningful reality (and) we, therefore, call for greater international attention to this issue. The international community cannot address sustainable development without considering its interconnectivity to human rights.
This was the message delivered by Grenada’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, CARICOM Affairs, and International Business, Oliver Joseph on Tuesday, as he welcomed the landmark decision taken by the United Nations last month, to establish a ‘Permanent Forum for People of African Descent, which is mandated to contribute to the full political, economic and social inclusion of people of African descent as equal citizens without discrimination of any kind, among other areas of concern, and as an advisory body to the Human Rights Council.
The Grenada Minister was at the time addressing the U.N. General Assembly, which “unanimously” adopted a resolution to establish a 10-member ‘permanent forum’ on Emancipation Day (August 2), which will meet annually in rotation between Geneva and New York, to serve as a subsidiary organ to hear the voices of people of African descent, and help eliminate all forms of discrimination against them.
This move is in keeping with the programme of activities for the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent, which commenced on January 01, 2015, under the theme “People of African descent: Recognition, justice and development” and is scheduled to end on 31 December 2024, in close coordination with existing mechanisms.
“Mr. President, let me categorically state that Grenada, as part of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), strongly condemns racism, intolerance and discrimination in any form, as well as acts, and crimes associated with racism and discrimination,” Minister Joseph told the UN body, which is the main policy-making organ comprising of 193 Member States.
He cited the permanent forum, as a “momentous undertaking on the anniversary of the abolition of slavery across CARICOM, almost 200 years ago.”
The Minister also used the opportunity to highlight with “immense pride” the inaugural AFRICA-CARICOM Summit that was successfully held on September 7, and expressed optimism that “with the establishment of a CARICOM mission in Kenya, the Caribbean African regions will continue to build on and deepen bonds of friendship and cooperation.”
His remarks came days after some 38 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom reportedly boycotted the U.N. meeting last week Wednesday marking the 20th anniversary of the Durban World Conference Against Racism in Durban, South Africa over anti-semitic statements it has given rise to in the past.
The U.N. General Assembly, however, pledged to redouble efforts to combat racism around the world, and adopted a resolution that acknowledged some progress but deplored what it called a rise in discrimination, violence, and intolerance directed at people of African heritage and many other groups.
During a session that focused on reparations, and racial justice for people with African heritage, the U.N. General Assembly pointed to the effects of slavery, colonialism, and genocide, and called for ensuring that people of African descent can seek “adequate reparation or satisfaction” through national institutions.